Infinite scrolling ban and kids falling asleep to devices
Summary
This episode examines a new survey revealing that one in five Irish children fall asleep using devices, highlighting the severe impact on sleep and brain development. Guests Ciara Keogh and Alwyn Moran discuss the Oireachtas Children’s Committee’s report, which proposes 45 recommendations including disabling infinite scroll and muting algorithms to reduce addiction. They advocate for a "safety by design" approach, urging parents to keep phones out of bedrooms and support the upcoming EU Kids Act to regulate social media access for minors.
Topics discussed
Survey findings on children falling asleep with devices
The impact of bedroom device use on sleep quality
Advice for parents: keeping phones in common areas
How lack of sleep affects children's brain development
Establishing hard rules and parental role modeling
Overview of the Joint Committee's 45 recommendations
Safety by design and limiting predatory features
The need for a holistic, 360-degree approach
Global momentum and the EU Kids Act
Government appetite for regulation and final advice
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